The bowling season is now getting into full swing, with matches arriving like buses, none for some time, then several all at once.
On the final Saturday in May, Ottery St Mary Bowling Club enjoyed the rare luxury and excitement of travelling out of county to Crewkerne, where a club called Severalls Jubilee was the host.
The journey must have affected the players because the home team ran out the winners by 85 shots to 64, with only one rink being won by the Ottery bowlers.
The best result for Ottery was produced by Carol Keating. Ron Spedding, Gerard McCarthy and Ray Luscombe, who played superbly to win their rink by 25 shots to 15.
After all the travelling, it was a pleasure to play at home, especially on a Bank Holiday, with Brixham St Mary being the visitors.
A satisfying home win was the result with Ottery winning by 109 shots to 95, with the rinks being tied at three each. The team that ensured victory consisted of Dot Luff, Ryan Seers and Gail Hawke.
Win or lose, it is just fantastic to be playing competitive bowls again and meeting teams from across the region.
There have been several individual notable performances in the last couple of weeks with both the men’s and women’s teams progressing to the last 16 in various county competitions. A picture of the ladies team shows how delighted they were to progress in their competition.
Finally, congratulations are due to Tony Bushell and Dot Luff, both of whom have recently been awarded their County Badge. The club now has 18 players who have attained this award, which is believed to be an all-time record for the club, together with one player who has been awarded his international shirt.
Bowls is not an elitist game - there is always room for anyone wishing to learn and to take up the sport. Please do get in touch with the club through the website for further details.